Kota Kinabalu: Sabah FC claimed their first win of the season in the Super League with a 3-2 victory over Kelantan Darul Naim FC at Sultan Mohammad IV Stadium, Friday night.
All eyes were on Ramon Machado and Darren Lok to score the team’s first goal in the new season but it was defender Gabriel Peres who tapped in the opener from a long ball delivered by Kwang Min Ko in the 25th minute.
The home side was given the opportunity to draw level in the 32nd minute after the ball hit the arm of Daniel Ting inside the box.
However, Chadrack Muzungu Lukombe’s spot kick was well read by Rhinos custodian Khairul Fahmi Che Mat as he dived to the left to make the crucial save.
Kelantan came out strongly in the second half and soon equalised with a header through Kim Likwan from a corner kick in the 55th minute.
The home supporters’ joy was short lived when substitute Stuart Wilkin struck a stunner from about 30 yards to restore Sabah FC’s lead eight minute later.
Ramon then extended the lead after he diverted a pass from Gabriel into the net in the 69th minute.
Bae Kyeonghwan scored the host’s second with a header in injury time but it came too late for the host as Sabah FC held on to take home the three points.
Datuk Ong Kim Swee said he was happy the players managed to get the job done but was not too pleased with the goals conceded from set pieces.
“We put ourselves in a difficult situation tonight because we had created many chances before finding the third goal.
“We need to learn that we cannot let our guard down even though we are leading because it will put us under unnecessary pressure.
“However, the three points are more important than what happened on the pitch. We are satisfied with the win and the goals but I am not happy to concede two goals from set pieces and we need to improve on that,” he said.
He also said Kelantan played well and believes other teams coming to play in Kota Bahru will find it difficult as well.
Sabah FC’s next match is against Kuching City FC at Likas Stadium on May 25.
